Spacing and/or ventilation conditions in the cultivation environment of plants

ABSTRACT

A method of increasing interspace among plant containers. The method comprises: providing a set of plant containers, the set comprising first and second plant containers; arranging the first plant containers in a first structured grid formation along a horizontal plane; and arranging the second plant containers in a second structured grid formation along said horizontal plane, whereby when viewed from above the first and second plant containers are alternatingly arranged in a joint structured grid formation in a first area. The method comprises, for increasing the interspace among the plant containers, mutually simultaneously moving the second plant containers in their second grid formation away from the first plant containers in a vertical direction and subsequently placing the second plant containers in a second area.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This disclosure claims priority to and the benefit from DutchProvisional Patent Application No. N2026433, titled “Improving Spaceand/or Ventilation Conditions in the Cultivation Environment of Plants,”filed on Sep. 9, 2020, which is herein incorporated by reference in itsentirety.

FIELD

The invention concerns a method of increasing interspace among plantcontainers, a plant container assembly, systems, and methods forcultivating plants, and a plant cultivated thereby.

BACKGROUND

Cultivation of plants, e.g. for consumption or decoration, has beenknown since prehistoric times. More recently, so-called vertical farmingmethods have been developed in which plants are cultivated above eachother on multiple vertical levels, providing particularly efficientcultivation and high yields per surface area of land. Such plants aregenerally cultivated in plant containers, for example individualcontainers, which are placed on a support structure which provides themultiple vertical levels. A set of mutually connected plant containerscan be placed in a tray on the support structure for easier combinedhandling of multiple containers. In vertical farming, growing conditionsfor the plants are generally influenced by controlled and/or activemeans, e.g. for influencing irrigation, drainage, nutrition, light,temperature, humidity and atmospheric composition.

As farmers strive to increase their plant production per area, properlymanaging the growing conditions for the plants becomes increasinglychallenging. Plants are generally positioned closely together, so that arelatively dense foliage is formed among the plants, in particularbecoming denser as the plants grow. Such a dense foliage has been foundto inhibit good control of several growing conditions, such as light,temperature, humidity and atmospheric composition. The dense foliage inparticular inhibits good ventilation flows for the plants as the foliageeffectively forms a barrier layer which deflects and/or dampens suchflows. A boundary layer of relatively calm air surrounding leaves of theplants can thereby thicken to a level which disadvantageously inhibitsexchange of gasses, water and energy between the leaves and theirenvironment. Also, the dense foliage can cause excessive mutual shadingamong neighboring plants, further negatively affecting plant health andgrowth.

A known solution to remedy such adverse effects of dense foliage is tospace the plant containers with the plants further apart as the plantsgrow, aiming to adjust the interspace among the plants so as to allowe.g. ventilation flows and light to properly reach the plant leaves.However, such adjustments generally involve extensive manual labor,requiring workers to manually move individual plants from one area toanother. As a result, this solution does not scale well and thusnegatively affects the overall efficiency of the plant cultivation. Someautomated solutions for increasing interspace among plant containershave been developed, however these require complex logistics with largemachines and conveyor systems.

Thus, there is a need for further improvement in plant cultivation.

SUMMARY

An object of the invention is to provide improved plant cultivation,wherein in particular the cultivation can be more efficient per unit ofarea and/or per unit of time, and/or wherein higher quality plants canbe produced. An object is to enable better growing conditions for plantsin vertical farming. An object is to make vertical farming moreefficient and/or easier. An object is to at least partly solve at leastone of the above-mentioned problems or a related problem. An object isto at least provide an alternative.

To that end a first aspect of the invention, which aspect canadvantageously be combined with one or more other aspects, provides amethod of increasing interspace among plant containers. The methodaccording to the first aspect comprises providing a set of plantcontainers, the set comprising first and second plant containers. Themethod according to the first aspect comprises: arranging the firstplant containers in a first structured grid formation along a horizontalplane; and arranging the second plant containers in a second structuredgrid formation along said horizontal plane, whereby when viewed fromabove the first and second plant containers are alternatingly arrangedin a joint structured grid formation in a first area. The methodaccording to the first aspect comprises, for increasing the interspaceamong the plant containers, mutually simultaneously moving the secondplant containers in their second grid formation away from the firstplant containers in a vertical direction and subsequently placing thesecond plant containers in a second area.

By thus moving the second plant containers away from the first plantcontainers, interspace among a relatively large number of plantcontainers can advantageously be increased, in particular relativelyquickly and with relatively little effort. In this way the combinedfoliage of the plants in the containers can easily be made less densewhen needed, so that growing conditions for the plants canadvantageously be well controlled throughout subsequent stages of plantgrowth.

The first plant containers on the one hand and the second plantcontainers on the other hand can be substantially indistinguishable fromeach other and/or interchangeable with each other when jointly arrangedin the joint structured grid formation. Thus, in practice for examplethe second plant containers can be designated as second plant containersonly upon moving the second plant containers away from the first plantcontainers. The second plant containers can be connected to each other,e.g. selectively connected to each other, as explained further elsewherein this description. Alternatively, one or more of the second plantcontainers can be disconnected from one or more other second plantcontainers. In the joint structured grid formation the first and secondplant containers can be in contact with each other or spaced apart fromeach other.

In the context of the present disclosure a structured grid formation canbe interpreted as a formation in which the respective plant containersare positioned at respective vertices or cell centers of a so-calledstructured grid, in particular a two-dimensional or planar structuredgrid which extends in the horizontal plane. Examples of structured gridsinclude a square grid, a rectangular grid, a parallelogram grid, atriangular grid and a hexagonal grid. A structured grid can be a regulargrid. A grid in this sense is sometimes also called a mesh or a lattice.It will be appreciated that no physical grid or mesh or lattice isrequired for plant containers to be arranged in a structured gridformation.

Preferably, the first, second and joint structured grid formations eachextend in two dimensions along the horizontal plane, e.g. comprising atleast two rows of plant containers. Alternatively, for example the firstor the second structured grid formation can form a single row of plantcontainers.

The second area and the first area preferably do not overlap each other.For example, the second area can be to the side of and/or above and/orbelow the first area.

The number of second plant containers can be about the same as thenumber of first plant containers, or a different number. Depending onthe grid formations, plants in the plant containers can for example bespaced about twice further apart, or less or more further apart.Interspace among plants can e.g. be measured between stems of theplants. Interspace among plant containers can e.g. be measured betweensides and/or centers of the plant containers. Increasing interspace cancomprise introducing initial interspace, i.e. increasing from zero orsubstantially zero interspace.

In the context of the present disclosure, arranging plant containersalong a horizontal plane can be interpreted as arranging the plantcontainers substantially next to each other with downward facingbottoms, upward facing openings and mutually facing sides. The plantcontainers can be arranged on exactly the same vertical level, but thisis not strictly necessary. Alternatively, one or more plant containersare arranged somewhat higher than one or more other plant containers,e.g. with some level differences among bottoms of the plant containersand/or with somewhat different heights of the containers themselves. Oneor more of the plant containers can be somewhat tilted, e.g. having abottom which extends in a plane that is somewhat inclined compared to aperfectly horizontal plane.

In the context of the present disclosure, moving plant containers in avertical direction does not exclude that plant containers aresimultaneously moved in a horizontal direction. However, in the methodaccording to the first aspect the second plant containers are preferablymoved in the vertical direction substantially without simultaneoushorizontal movement of the second plant containers with respect to thefirst plant containers.

A second aspect of the invention, which aspect can advantageously becombined with one or more other aspects, provides a method ofcultivating plants. The method according to the second aspect comprises:providing plant containers with cultivatable plant material therein; andincreasing interspace among the plant containers according to the firstaspect, in particular after a first period of growth of plants in thecontainers to facilitate further growth of the plants in the containersduring a subsequent period of growth.

Such a method provides above-mentioned advantages.

Cultivatable plant material can comprise one or more of a plant, a seed,a bulb, and a spore, for example. The plant containers can further beprovided with a growing medium therein, for example comprising soil or asoil-free growing medium.

A third aspect of the invention, which aspect can advantageously becombined with one or more other aspects, provides a system forcultivating plants. The system according to the third aspect comprises aset of plant containers which are each suitable for cultivating one ormore plants therein, the set comprising first and second plantcontainers. The first plant containers are configured to be arranged ina first structured grid formation along a horizontal plane and thesecond plant containers are configured to be arranged in a secondstructured grid formation along said horizontal plane, such that whenviewed from above the first and second plant containers arealternatingly arranged in a joint structured grid formation. The firstand second plant containers are configured to enable mutuallysimultaneous vertical movement between the first plant containers on theone hand and the second plant containers on the other hand. The systemaccording to the third aspect comprises a separation device configuredfor mutually simultaneously moving the second plant containers away fromthe first plant containers in a vertical direction such that the secondplant containers in their second structured grid formation aresubsequently placeable in a second area while the first plant containerscan remain in their first structured grid formation in a first area,whereby interspace among the plant containers is increased.

It will be appreciated that the first plant containers need notnecessarily remain in the first area. For example, the first plantcontainers can be moved away from the first area shortly after or evenduring the placement of the second plant containers in the second area.

Such a system provides above-mentioned advantages, in particular byenabling a method according to the first aspect. The separation devicecan be realized in various ways, as will be elaborated in the detaileddescription. In the system according to the third aspect optionally thesecond plant containers are connected or connectable to each other, e.g.forming a single unit, but this is not strictly necessary.

A fourth aspect of the invention, which aspect can advantageously becombined with one or more other aspects, provides a plant containerassembly comprising second plant containers which are each suitable forcultivating one or more plants therein and which are mutually connectedin a second structured grid formation with regular interspacing amongthe second plant containers. Herein the interspacing is dimensioned toreversibly receive therein first plant containers in a verticaldirection, which first plant containers are each suitable forcultivating one or more plants therein and are mutually arranged in afirst structured grid formation. The assembly is configured such that bysaid receiving the first and second plant containers are alternatinglyarranged in a joint structured grid along a horizontal plane.

Such an assembly provides above-mentioned advantages. In particular themutually connected plant containers enable relatively easy execution ofthe method according to the first aspect.

A fifth aspect of the invention, which aspect can advantageously becombined with one or more other aspects, provides a system forcultivating plants. The system according to the fifth aspect comprises asupport structure for supporting plant containers on multiple verticallevels above each other. The multiple vertical levels comprise a firstvertical level and a second vertical level above the first verticallevel. The support structure is configured to allow an upward flow ofgas within outer bounds of the support structure from the first verticallevel to the second vertical level. The system according to the fifthaspect comprises a heat generating light source arranged within theouter bounds between the first and second vertical levels. The lightsource is configured to illuminate plants on at least the first verticallevel. The system according to the fifth aspect is configured to allowgas at the light source to be heated by the light source such that byconvection the heated gas is subsequently driven upward to the secondvertical level, the gas thereby forming a ventilation flow for plantswhich are arranged at the second vertical level.

Such a system can advantageously promote good growing conditions forplants, in particular in vertical farming environments. The upward flowof gas can advantageously influence, in particular ventilate, plants onthe second vertical level, wherein such gas can flow from below thesecond vertical level upward between the plant containers on the secondvertical level and further upward along and/or through the respectiveplant foliage. It has been found that good plant ventilation can thus beprovided in spite of a relatively dense foliage. In particular aboundary layer surrounding leaves of the plants can thus be managedwell, preventing an excessively thick boundary layer and promoting goodconditions at the boundary layer. Such a ventilation flow can influencevarious conditions including gas composition (e.g. CO2-concentration),temperature and humidity.

By thus employing a heat generating light source for two purposessimultaneously, i.e. providing light for one set of plants and providingventilation for another set of plants, plant cultivation is made moreefficient. Many commonly used light sources, including LEDs, generateheat as result of imperfect conversion of electric energy to light.Instead of being wasted, this heat can thus advantageously driveimproved plant ventilation. The same heat can also advantageouslycontribute to good temperature regulation, in particular for the plantsat the second vertical level and possibly at further levels above thesecond vertical level.

A sixth aspect of the invention, which aspect can advantageously becombined with one or more other aspects, provides a method ofcultivating plants. The method according to the sixth aspect comprises:cultivating a first plant on a first vertical level; and cultivating asecond plant above the first plant on a second vertical level. Themethod according to the sixth aspect comprises: providing a heatgenerating light source at an intermediate position which is beneath thesecond plant and above and/or to the side of the first plant; andilluminating the first plant using the heat generating light source,thereby heating a gas at the intermediate position. The method accordingto the sixth aspect comprises allowing the heated gas to rise to thesecond vertical level and upwardly along the second plant by convection,thereby ventilating the second plant.

Such a method provides advantages mentioned above with respect to thesystem according to the fifth aspect. Such a method can for example beperformed using such a system.

Preferably the first plant and the second plant are each cultivated in arespective plant container which is arranged on the respective verticallevel.

A further aspect of the invention provides a plant cultivated by amethod according to the second and/or sixth aspect, and/or using asystem according to the third and/or fifth aspect, and/or in a plantcontainer of an assembly according to the fourth aspect.

Such a plant can benefit from above-mentioned advantages, thus e.g.being relatively efficient to cultivate and/or being of relatively goodquality, in particular for consumption and/or decoration.

Further advantageous elaborations of the invention are provided by thefeatures of the dependent claims, as will be explained further in thefollowing detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

In the following, the invention will be explained further usingexemplary embodiments and drawings. The drawings are schematic andmerely show examples. In the drawings, corresponding elements have beenprovided with corresponding reference signs. In the drawings:

FIG. 1A shows an isometric view of an exemplary set of plant containersin a joint structured grid formation, the set comprising first andsecond plant containers;

FIG. 1B shows an isometric view of an exemplary system which comprisesthe set of plant containers of FIG. 1A, wherein the second plantcontainers have been moved away from the first plant containers in avertical direction using a separation device of the system;

FIG. 2A shows a top view of an exemplary set of plant containers in ajoint structured grid formation, the set comprising first and secondplant containers;

FIG. 2B shows a top view of the set of plant containers of FIG. 2A,wherein interspace among the plant containers has been increasedcompared to FIG. 2A;

FIG. 2C shows a top view of the set of plant containers of FIG. 2Bwherein interspace among the plant containers has been increased furthercompared to FIG. 2B;

FIG. 3A shows a top view of an exemplary plant container;

FIG. 3B shows a cross sectional view of the plant container of FIG. 3Aalong the line in FIG. 3A;

FIG. 4 shows an isometric view of an exemplary tray for receiving plantcontainers thereon;

FIG. 5 shows a cross sectional side view of an exemplary supportstructure for supporting plant containers on multiple vertical levels,wherein a heat generating light source and gas supply means have beenprovided;

FIG. 6A shows a top view of a further exemplary set of plant containersin a joint structured grid formation, the set comprising first andsecond plant containers; and

FIG. 6B shows a top view of the set of plant containers of FIG. 6A,wherein interspace among the plant containers has been increased.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

An exemplary method of increasing interspace among plant containers 2,4, is illustrated in FIGS. 1A-B and 2A-C. The method comprises providinga set of plant containers 2, 4, the set comprising first plantcontainers 2 and second plant containers 4.

In FIGS. 1A-B and 2A-C for clarity of the drawing the first plantcontainers 2 are shown without hatching while the second plantcontainers 4 are shown with hatching. It will be appreciated that inpractice the first and second plant containers 2, 4 may be of the samecolor. In these drawings fourteen first plant containers 2 and fourteensecond plant containers 4 are shown, only some of which have beenprovided with a respective reference sign 2 or 4. It will be appreciatedthat different numbers of plant containers may be used and that thenumber of second plant containers 4 may be different from the number offirst plant containers 2. See FIGS. 6A-B for one alternative.

The method comprises arranging the first plant containers 2 in a firststructured grid formation along a horizontal plane; and arranging thesecond plant containers 4 in a second structured grid formation alongsaid horizontal plane (see FIGS. 1A and 2A), whereby when viewed fromabove (see FIG. 1A) the first and second plant containers 2, 4 arealternatingly arranged in a joint structured grid formation in a firstarea A1.

The method comprises, for increasing the interspace among the plantcontainers 2, 4, mutually simultaneously moving the second plantcontainers 4 in their second grid formation away from the first plantcontainers 2 in a vertical direction V (see FIG. 1B) and subsequentlyplacing the second plant containers 4 in a second area A2 (see FIG. 2B).

While in FIG. 1B the second plant containers 4 are shown verticallysubstantially spaced apart from the first plant containers 2, the secondplant containers 4 may alternatively be positioned closer to the firstplant containers 2 when viewed from a side, after moving the secondplant containers 4 away from the first plant containers 2, in particulardepending on a size of plants contained in the first plant containers 2.As can be seen in FIG. 1B, the moving away preferably enables subsequenthorizontal translation of the second plant containers 4 in their secondstructured grid formation with respect to the first plant containers 2in their first structured grid formation. Thus, the moving away in thevertical direction V is preferably such that the second plant containers4 subsequently do not overlap the first plant containers 2, nor plantscontained therein, when viewed from a side.

The second area A2 preferably does not overlap the first area A1,however partial overlap between said areas A1, A2 is possible. In theexample of FIG. 2B the second area A2 is immediately adjacent to thefirst area A1, however the second area A2 may be further away from thefirst area A1. Here the second area A2 extends in the same plane as thefirst area A2, however the second area A2 may extend in a differentplane from the first area A1, e.g. on a different vertical level. Herethe first and second plant containers 2, 4 in the first and second areasA1, A2 advantageously form a continuous structured grid formation,however this is not strictly necessary.

Placing the second plant containers 4 in a second area may comprisetranslating and/or rotating the second plant containers 4 in theirsecond structured grid formation with respect to the first plantcontainers 2. Here the vertical direction V is an upward direction,however the vertical direction may be a downward direction.

While the second plant containers 4 are moved away from the first plantcontainers 2 in the vertical direction V, the first plant containers 2here remain stationary in the first area A1. Alternatively, the firstplant containers 2 can be mobile during some or all of this time, e.g.being moved vertically at a different speed and/or in a differentdirection compared to the second plant containers 4. The first and/orsecond plant containers 2, 4 can alternatively or additionally be movedhorizontally, e.g. on a conveyor or a vehicle, while the second plantcontainers 4 are moved away from the first plant containers 2 in thevertical direction V. The first area A1 and/or the second area A2 can bea mobile area, e.g. being located on a conveyor and/or on a vehicle.

Optionally, with reference to FIGS. 2B-C, upon placing the second plantcontainers 4 in the second area A2, the second plant containers 4 aretogether redesignated as a set of plant containers 4 a, 4 b which setcomprises respective first 4 a and second 4 b plant containers which arearranged in respective first and second structured grids along a commonhorizontal plane, wherein when viewed from above the respective first 4a and second 4 b plant containers are alternatingly arranged in a jointstructured grid formation in a respective first area A2. Herein, forfurther increasing the interspace among the plant containers 2, 4 a, 4b, the method comprises mutually simultaneously moving the respectivesecond plant containers 4 b in their respective second grid formationaway from the respective first plant containers 4 a in a verticaldirection V and subsequently placing the respective second plantcontainers 4 b in a respective second area, here a third area A3 (seeFIG. 2C).

Optionally, with continued reference to FIGS. 2B-C, upon placing thesecond plant containers 4 in the second area A2, the first plantcontainers 2 are together redesignated as a set of plant containers 2 a,2 b which set comprises respective first 2 a and second 2 b plantcontainers which are arranged in respective first and second structuredgrids along a common horizontal plane, wherein when viewed from abovethe respective first 2 a and second 2 b plant containers arealternatingly arranged in a joint structured grid formation in arespective first area A1. Herein, for further increasing the interspaceamong the plant containers 2 a, 2 b, 4, the method comprises mutuallysimultaneously moving the respective second plant containers 2 b intheir respective second grid formation away from the respective firstplant containers 2 a in a vertical direction V and subsequently placingthe respective second plant containers 2 b in a respective second area,here a fourth area A4 (see FIG. 2C).

In FIGS. 2B-C, for clarity of the drawing, the respective second plantcontainers 2 b, 4 b have been drawn with thicker lines compared to therespective first plant containers 2 a, 4 a. In this way the method asdescribed above of increasing interspace among the set of first andsecond plant containers 2, 4 can essentially subsequently be repeatedfor further increasing interspace. It will be appreciated that themethod can thus be repeated essentially over and over again, for exampleuntil a desired interspace among the plant containers has been reached.In the example of FIG. 2C interspace has been further increased amongboth the first 2 and second 4 plant containers, however alternativelyonly interspace among the first plant containers 2 or only interspaceamong the second plant containers 4 is thus further increased. Furtherincreasing the interspace among the second plant containers 4 may besimultaneous with further increasing the interspace among the firstplant containers 2, however alternatively such further increasing isperformed at mutually different times, e.g. one shortly after the otherin subsequent workflow steps and/or one several hours, days or weeksafter the other depending on growth stages of plants in the containers.

In FIGS. 1A and 2A the joint structured grid formation of the first andsecond plant containers 2, 4 can be seen to correspond to acheckerboard-like pattern, wherein e.g. the first structured gridformation corresponds to light-colored cells of the checkerboard and thesecond structured grid formation corresponds to dark-colored cells ofthe checkerboard. The structured grid formation here thus corresponds toa square grid. However different structured grid formations arepossible, possibly but not necessarily in relation to an outer shape ofthe plant containers 2, 4 when viewed from above. Also, the secondstructured grid formation can show a different, e.g. more dense or lessdense, structured pattern compared to the first structured gridformation.

As one example of alternative structured grid formations, FIG. 6A showsfirst and second plant containers 2, 4 in a honeycomb-like jointstructured grid formation, the plant containers 2, 4 here having ahexagonal outer shape when viewed from above. In this example the plantcontainers 2, 4 can equally be considered as arranged at the centers ofcells of a hexagonal grid or at the vertices of a triangular grid.

In FIG. 6B interspace among these plant containers 2, 4 has beenincreased as described above, wherein interspace among the second plantcontainers 4 has subsequently been increased further as described,resulting in respective first and second plant containers 4 a, 4 b ofthe second plant containers 4 to be moved away from each other. It willbe appreciated that also in this example interspace among the plantcontainers 2, 4 can be further increased over and over again asdescribed, e.g. if desired depending on plant growth.

Such a method of increasing interspace among plant containers 2, 4 canadvantageously be performed as part of an exemplary method ofcultivating plants. Such a method of cultivating plants comprises:providing plant containers 2, 4 with cultivatable plant materialtherein; and increasing interspace among the plant containers 2, 4 asdescribed, in particular after a first period of growth of plants in thecontainers 2, 4 to facilitate further growth of the plants in thecontainers 2, 4 during a subsequent period of growth.

As an example, FIG. 5 shows plant containers 2, 4 with plants P1, P2being cultivated therein, as explained further elsewhere in thisdescription.

FIG. 1B shows an example of a system 6 for cultivating plants, whichsystem can advantageously be employed in the above described methods.The system 6 comprises a set of plant containers 2, 4 which are eachsuitable for cultivating one or more plants therein, the set comprisingfirst 2 and second 4 plant containers, wherein the first plantcontainers 2 are configured to be arranged in a first structured gridformation along a horizontal plane and the second plant containers 4 areconfigured to be arranged in a second structured grid formation alongsaid horizontal plane, such that when viewed from above the first andsecond plant containers 2, 4 are alternatingly arranged in a jointstructured grid formation, wherein the first and second plant containers2, 4 are configured to enable mutually simultaneous vertical movementbetween the first plant containers 2 on the one hand and the secondplant containers 4 on the other hand.

The system further comprises a separation device 8 configured formutually simultaneously moving the second plant containers 4 away fromthe first plant containers 2 in a vertical direction V such that thesecond plant containers 4 in their second structured grid formation aresubsequently placeable in a second area A2 (see FIGS. 2B-C, 6B) whilethe first plant containers 2 can remain in their first structured gridformation in a first area A1, whereby interspace among the plantcontainers 2, 4 is increased.

Optionally the separation device 8 is also configured for moving thefirst plant containers 2 in their first structured grid formation in avertical direction V, for example after the second plant containers 4have been moved away from the first plant container 2. In this way, thefirst plant containers 2 can easily be lifted from a tray 18, forexample.

Optionally the separation device 8 is also configured for moving thefirst and second plant containers 2, 4 in their joint structured gridformation together in a vertical direction V. For example, the firstplant containers 2 can be upwardly engaged by the separation device 8while the second plant containers 4 are retained among the first plantcontainers 2 (see FIG. 1A). In this way, the first and second plantcontainers 2, 4 can easily be lifted from a tray 18, for example.

Here the separation device 8 comprises a support frame 14 and push pins16, as explained further elsewhere in this description.

In an embodiment, the first plant containers 2 are connected, at leastconnectable, to each other to form the first structured grid formation.

In this way, the first plant containers 2 can be more easily maintainedin the first structured grid formation, in particular while moving thefirst plant containers 2 and/or the second plant containers 4. Also, thefirst plant containers 2 can thus be moved more easily together, inparticular requiring fewer of the first plant containers 2 to be engageddirectly.

In an embodiment, the second plant containers 4 are connected, at leastconnectable, to each other to form the second structured grid formation.

In this way, the second plant containers 4 can be more easily maintainedin the second structured grid formation, in particular while moving thefirst plant containers 2 and/or the second plant containers 4. Also, thesecond plant containers 4 can thus be moved more easily together, inparticular requiring fewer of the second plant containers 4 to beengaged directly.

In an embodiment, the second plant containers 4 are each provided with arespective connecting element 10, 11 which connects, at least isconfigured to connect, the container 4 to at least one other container 4in the respective second grid formation, wherein at least one 10 of theconnecting elements 10, 11, is engageable by the separation device 8 formoving the second plant containers 4 away from the first plantcontainers 2.

Here four first connecting elements 10 are engageable by the separationdevice 8, however a different number of such first connecting elements10 may be provided. The first connecting elements 10 are here configuredto engage with distal ends of push pins 16 of the separation device 8.

The other connecting elements 11 of the second plant containers 4 arehere second connecting elements 11 which are configured to provide apassage between the plant containers 4, in particular for an upward flowof ventilation for plants in the containers 4, as explained furtherelsewhere in this description. Here the second connecting elements 11are configured to connect the plant containers 4 while maintaining anopening therebetween.

In an embodiment, the first plant containers 2 are each provided with arespective connecting element 10, 11 which connects, at least isconfigured to connect, the container 2 to at least one other container 2in the respective first grid formation. Connecting elements 11 of thefirst plant containers 2 can be configured to provide a passage for theseparation device 8 for moving the second plant containers 4 away fromthe first plant containers 2.

Here the first and second connecting elements 10, 11 of the first plantcontainers 2 are arranged with respect to the first plant containers 2essentially the same as how the first and second connecting elements 10,11 of the second plant containers 4 are arranged with respect to thesecond plant containers 4. It can be seen in FIG. 1B that the secondplant containers 4 and their connecting elements 10, 11 essentiallycomprise a mirrored arrangement compared to the first plant containers 2and their connecting elements 10, 11. Highly advantageously, copies of asame plant container assembly 32, 32′ can thus interchangeably be usedas either first plant containers 2 or second plant containers 4. Thispromotes ease of use, versatility, and easy manufacturability.

It can be seen from FIG. 1B that in such a configuration, for optionallyengaging the first plant containers 2 by the separation device 8, theseparation device can first be rotated by 180 degrees about a verticalaxis, so that the push pins 16 align with the engageable connectingelements 10 of the first plant containers 2.

Here the passage provided by four of the second connecting elements 11advantageously serves a dual purpose of providing a passage for aventilation flow as well as providing a passage for push pins 16 of theseparation device 8.

One or more of such connecting elements 10, 11 can be integrally formedwith one or more of the respective plant containers 2 and/or 4.Alternatively or additionally one or more of such connecting elements10, 11 can be selectively connectable to one or more respective plantcontainers 2, 4, for example using a clamping connection. Such selectiveconnections can advantageously provide modularity of the plantcontainers 2, 4, thus providing increased versatility of the system 6.

While no connecting elements are shown in other figures besides FIG.1A-B, it will be appreciated that such connecting elements can bepresent in the embodiments shown in the other drawings. While FIG. 2Ashows the plant containers 2, 4 as forming a closed covering of thefirst area A1, it will be appreciated that preferably openings forvertical ventilation flows are between the containers 2, 4, for examplesimilar to openings in the second connecting elements 11 in FIG. 1Aand/or similar to such openings in line with arrow F in FIG. 5.Alternatively or additionally, parts of the plant containers 2, 4, inparticular respective circumferential flanges 13 thereof, may beperforated and/or otherwise configured to be substantially gastransmissive for allowing ventilation flows to pass between thecontainers 2, 4.

When mutually connected as described, second plant containers 4 can thusbe part of a plant container assembly 32 (see FIGS. 1A-B). In such aplant container assembly 32 second plant containers 4 are mutuallyconnected in a second structured grid formation with regularinterspacing among the second plant containers 4, wherein theinterspacing is dimensioned to reversibly receive therein first plantcontainers 2 in a vertical direction, which first plant containers 2 aremutually arranged in a first structured grid formation, wherein theassembly 32 is configured such that by said receiving the first andsecond plant containers 2, 4 are alternatingly arranged in a jointstructured grid along a horizontal plane.

It will be appreciated that the first plant containers 2 can similarlybe part of a respective plant container assembly 32′ when mutuallyconnected as described (see FIGS. 1A-B).

Thus, in an embodiment, the system 6 comprises one or more of such plantcontainer assemblies 32 and/or 32′.

Optionally such plant container assemblies 32, 32′ are be mutuallyconnectable and subsequently disconnectable to facilitate joint handlingof the assemblies 32, 32′.

In an embodiment, with reference to FIGS. 3A-B at least the second plantcontainers 4, and optionally the first plant containers 2, each compriseat least one socket 12 which extends upwardly from a bottom 15 of thecontainer 4.

Such a socket 12 can provide additional or alternative means forengagement by the separation device 8. In particular a push pin 16 ofthe separation device can be inserted in the socket for upwardlyengaging the second plant container 4.

It will be appreciated that a plant container, e.g. the plant container4 as shown in FIGS. 3A-B, preferably comprises one or more drainageopenings (not shown) in and/or near a bottom 15 of the container 4.

In an embodiment, the at least one socket 12 and the separation device 8are configured to engage each other such that the respective plantcontainer 4 is thereby stably positioned with respect to the separationdevice 8.

Such a configuration enables stable and smooth vertical movement of thesecond plant containers 4 with respect to the first plant containers 2.Moreover, stable transport and/or placement of plant containers 2, 4 isthus enabled.

In an embodiment, when viewed from above, the at least one socket 12 isarranged substantially symmetrically with respect to a center of mass Cof the plant container 4 during use, in particular when the plantcontainer 4 is provided therein with plant material for cultivation.

Such a configuration can advantageously promote stability of thecontainer 4 with respect to the separation device 8.

In a substantially symmetric plant container 4, the center of mass Cwill generally be positioned centrally with respect to the container,when viewed from above, as shown in FIG. 3A. It will be appreciated thatthe center of mass can gradually rise as the plant grows in thecontainer 4 and can vary vertically depending on a moisture level in thecontainer 4. Hence the center of mass C has been indicated approximatelyin FIG. 3B by a vertical line segment C.

In an embodiment, the at least one socket 12 and the separation device 8are configured to form a mutual clamping connection, in particularbetween the socket 12 and a push pin 16 of the separation device 8.

Such a clamping connection can advantageously promote stability of theplant container 4 with respect to the separation device 8. To facilitateformation of such a clamping formation, the socket 12 may be taperedtowards an upper end thereof as shown in FIG. 3B. Alternatively oradditionally the separation device 8, in particular the push pin 16, maybe provided with an active, e.g. controlled, clamping means.

In an embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1B, the separation device 8 comprisesa support frame 14 with upwardly directed push pins 16 configured forpushing the second plant containers 4 upwardly away from the first plantcontainers 2.

Such a separation device 8 can upwardly engage the second plantcontainers 4 for example upwardly through support surface (not shown inFIG. 1B) which comprises the first area A1 and which provides passagesfor the push pins 16. The push pins 16 can engage the second plantcontainers 4, e.g. by respective first connecting elements 10 and/orrespective sockets 12, in particular substantially without engaging thefirst plant containers 2, for example moving through passages providedby second connecting elements 11 of the first plant containers 2, asshown in FIG. 1B.

While FIG. 1B shows a separation device 8 with four push pins 16, itwill be appreciated that a different number of push pins can beprovided. The push pins 16 can advantageously be distributed along asurface area and/or a circumference of the second structured gridformation for smooth and stable engagement of the second plantcontainers 4.

In an embodiment, as alluded to elsewhere in this description, each ofthe push pins 16 are configured to enter a respective one of the atleast one socket 12 to push the respective second plant container 4upwardly away from the first plant containers 2.

While the first connecting element 10 and/or socket 12 have beendescribed as enabling the second plant containers 4 to be moved awayfrom the first plant containers 2 in the vertical direction, suchconnecting elements 10 and/or sockets 12, for example in the secondplant containers 4 and/or the first plant containers 2, can alsoadvantageously enable more general handling of the first and/or secondplant containers 2 and/or 4, e.g. for moving the plant containers 2and/or 4 between different areas, in particular substantiallysimultaneously in a respective structured grid formation. In particularsuch a connecting element 10 and/or socket 12 can advantageously enableengagement of the respective plant container 2 and/or 4 by a device suchas a separation device 8, a placement device 24 and/or another device.

Similarly, while the separation device 8 and the push pins 16 have beendescribed as enabling the second plant containers 4 to be moved awayfrom the first plant containers 2 in the vertical direction, such aseparation device 8 and/or such push pins 16 can also advantageouslyenable more general handling of the first and/or second plant containers2 and/or 4, e.g. for moving the plant containers 2 and/or 4 betweendifferent areas, in particular substantially simultaneously in arespective structured grid formation. In particular such push pins 16can advantageously enable engagement of respective plant containers 2and/or 4 by respective engageable connecting elements 10 and/or sockets12.

In an embodiment, the system 16 comprises a tray 18 (see FIGS. 4 and 5)with a bottom 20 which extends in the horizontal plane, the tray 18being configured for receiving the first and second plant containers 2,4 thereon in the joint structured grid formation, wherein the bottom 20of the tray 18 has holes 22 for engaging one or more received plantcontainers 2 and/or 4 therethrough.

In this way the tray 18 can support the first and second plantcontainers 2, 4 in their joint structured grid formation in the firstarea A1 (the tray 18 e.g. providing the first area A1), while enablingupward engagement of the second plant containers 4 by moving the pushpins 16 of the separation device 8 upwardly through the holes 22 whilethe support frame 14 of the separation device 8 is below the tray 18.

It will be appreciated that such a tray 18 can advantageously similarlybe provided in the second area A2 and/or in one or more further areasA3, A4.

As shown in FIG. 4, preferably the holes 22 are each provided with arespective open-ended pipe section 25 which extends upwardly from thebottom 20 and which is configured to prevent leakage of fluids from thetray 18 through the holes 22. While the drawings show the pipe sections25 as having a substantially width along their vertical length, morepreferably the pipe sections are tapered towards their distal or upperends, e.g. having a substantially frustoconical shape, to promoteself-centering of the plant containers 2, 4 as they are received on thetray 18. Instead of having a cylindrical shape as shown, such a pipesection 25 can have a non-circular, e.g. rectangular transversalprofile. In any case, as shown, said pipe section preferably forms acircumferential dam structure around the opening 22. Preferably a heightof the pipe section corresponds to or exceeds a maximum liquid level inthe tray 18 during use, in particular substantially without blockingspace for receiving the plant containers on the tray 18.

In an embodiment, at least some of the holes 22 are arranged inalignment with at least some of the first connecting elements 10 whenthe first and second plant containers 2, 4 are received on the tray 18in the joint structured grid formation.

Such a configuration enables that the first connecting elements 10 canbe upwardly engaged through the tray 18, in particular with respect tothe tray 18 on which the first plant containers 2 can remain.

It will be appreciated that thus as one example the tray 18 with thefirst plant containers 2 thereon may be moved down, e.g. dropped, whilethe first connecting elements 10 substantially remain at the samevertical level.

In an embodiment, at least some of the holes 22 are arranged inalignment with the at least one socket 12 of the second plant containers4 when the first and second plant containers 2, 4 are received on thetray 18 in the joint structured grid formation.

Such a configuration enables that the socket 12 can be upwardly engagedthrough the tray 18, in particular with respect to the tray 18 on whichthe first plant containers 2 can remain.

It will be appreciated that thus as one example the tray 18 with thefirst plant containers 2 thereon may be moved down, e.g. dropped, whilethe sockets 12 substantially remain at the same vertical level.

In an embodiment, at least some of the holes 22 are arranged for guidingtherethrough an upward ventilation flow F (see FIG. 5) from beneath thetray 18 to plants in the plant containers 2, 4 received on the tray 18during cultivation. The upward ventilation flow F is discussed in moredetail elsewhere in this description.

In an embodiment, the tray 18 is configured for guiding an irrigationflow, drainage flow and/or nutrient flow along plants in the plantcontainers 2, 4 during cultivation, wherein the tray 18 is configured toprevent such a flow from leaking through one or more of the holes 22.

As explained elsewhere in this description, the holes 22 can to that endbe provided with upwardly extending pipe sections which inhibit suchleakage, in particular while at the same time allowing the upwardventilation flow and/or upward passage of push pins 16 through theholes.

In particular the tray 18 may be configured as a so-called ebb-and-flowtray, flood tray or flood-and-drain tray, enabling a flow of liquidalong the bottom 20 of the tray 18 such that a liquid level in the tray18 first rises and subsequently falls, in particular for intermittentlyand/or cyclically hydrating, draining and/or feeding plants in thecontainers 2, 4 in the tray 18. Ebb-and-flow trays or flood-and-draintrays are known as such and can advantageously be combined with a systemfor plant cultivation according to the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 4, the tray 18, in particular the bottom 20, cancomprise one or more drainage channels 23 for draining liquid along thebottom 20 and/or one or more drainage outlets 21 for guiding liquid outof the tray e.g. under influence of gravity. Such a drainage outlet 21is preferably configured, e.g. dimensioned, to provide a flow resistancefor the drainage of liquid, thereby enabling a so-called ebb-and-flow orflood-and-drain method of plant irrigation and/or feeding, which isknown as such and can advantageously be combined with a plantcultivation method according to the present invention.

In an embodiment, with reference to FIG. 1B, the system 6 comprises aplacement device 24 for placing the second plant containers 4 in theirsecond structured grid formation in the second area A2 after the secondplant containers 4 have been moved away from the first plant containers2 using the separation device 8.

As shown, the placement device 24 can comprise a fork structure 24 withprongs 27 that can be moved horizontally and optionally also verticallyunder upwardly engageable structures, e.g. bottoms 15, circumferentialflanges 13 and/or connecting elements 10 and/or 11, of the second plantcontainers 4. While FIG. 1B shows two such prongs 27, it will beappreciated that a different number of prongs 27 can be provided.

The placement device 24 can advantageously comprise a motorized arm (notshown), e.g. a robot arm, for automatically or semi-automatically movingthe fork structure 24 to engage and subsequently move and disengage thesecond plant containers 4 for placing the second plant containers 4 inthe second area A2. The placement device 24 can additionally be used tomove other plant containers such as the first plant containers 2 betweendifferent areas.

In an embodiment, the system 6 comprises a support structure 26 (seeFIG. 5) for supporting plant containers 2, 4 on multiple vertical levelsL1, L2 above each other.

Such a support structure 26 can advantageously enable so called verticalfarming. Examples of such a support structure 26 are known as such andcan advantageously be combined with a system 6 according to the presentinvention. The support structure 26 can be mobile, e.g. being providedwith wheels for transportation. For example, the support structure 26can comprise, or be part of, a so-called Danish trolley.

In an embodiment, the multiple vertical levels L1, L2 comprise a firstvertical level L1 and a second vertical level L2 above the firstvertical level L1, wherein at least on the second vertical level L2plant containers 2,4, for example first and/or second plant containers 2and/or 4, are arranged in a structured grid formation on the tray 18.

In an embodiment, the system 6 comprises a heat generating light source28 arranged between the first and second vertical levels L1, L2, thelight source 28 being configured to illuminate plants on the firstvertical level L1.

Such a heat generating light source 28, e.g. comprising light emittingdiodes (LEDs), is known as such for use in vertical farming and canadvantageously be combined with a system 6 according to the presentinvention. The light source 28 is preferably configured to emit light atone or more wavelengths which stimulate plant growth, for examplecomprising red and/or blue wavelengths.

In an embodiment, the system 6 is configured to allow gas to be heatedby the light source L1 such that by convection the heated gas issubsequently driven upward as a ventilation flow F through the holes 22in the tray 18 to provide ventilation for plants in the plant containers2,4 at the second vertical level L2.

To that end preferably the support structure 26 is configured to allowsuch an upward flow, e.g. comprising gas transmissive openings in asection of the support structure 26 which section extends between thelight source 28 and the tray 18. At the same time said section ispreferably configured to stably support the weight of the tray 18 withrespective plant containers 2, 4, plants P1, P2 and irrigation flows.For example, said section can comprise a relatively open metal meshand/or a perforated plate. Alternatively or additionally, said sectioncan comprise rails on which the tray 18 can be e.g. slidingly received,wherein a space between the rails is substantially open to allow theupward flow of gas.

In a further explanation of one or more aspects of the presentinvention, FIG. 5 shows an exemplary system 6 for cultivating plants,comprising a support structure 26 for supporting plant containers 2, 4on multiple vertical levels L1, L2 above each other, the multiplevertical levels L1, L2 comprising a first vertical level L1 and a secondvertical level L2 above the first vertical level L1.

The support structure 26 is configured to allow an upward flow F of gaswithin outer bounds of the support structure 26 from the first verticallevel L1 to the second vertical level L2.

The exemplary system 6 comprises a heat generating light source 28arranged within the outer bounds between the first and second verticallevels L1, L2, the light source 28 being configured to illuminate plantson at least the first vertical level L1.

The exemplary system 6 is configured to allow gas at the light source 28to be heated by the light source 28 such that by convection the heatedgas is subsequently driven upward to the second vertical level L2, thegas thereby forming a ventilation flow F for plants which are arrangedat the second vertical level L2.

In an embodiment, the system 6 comprises gas supply means 30 foractively supplying a gas or gas mixture at the light source 28 and/orbetween the light source 28 and the second vertical level L2.

Such gas supply means 30 can be realized in various ways. In the exampleof FIG. 5, the gas supply means 30 comprises horizontal gas outlets 30directed into a space between the light source 28 and the secondvertical level L2. Alternatively or additionally, the gas supply means30 can comprise a gas permeable membrane and/or perforated wall (notshown) which e.g. extends along the light source 28, e.g. in the form ofa hose or other duct, wherein the gas is supplied through said membraneand/or perforated wall. It will be appreciated that the gas supply means30 can comprise one or more ducts, e.g. hoses, for guiding the gas to besupplied towards the area where it is to be supplied.

Preferably the gas or gas mixture supplied by the gas supply means 30comprises at least 1% carbon dioxide, preferably at least 2% carbondioxide, more preferably at least 5% carbon dioxide, more preferably atleast 20% carbon dioxide, more preferably at least 50% carbon dioxide,more preferably at least 90% carbon dioxide, for example about 100%carbon dioxide.

Such a composition of the gas or gas mixture can advantageously promoteplant growth when the gas or gas mixture is brought in contact withplants, in particular after having been mixed with ambient gas toachieve a concentration of carbon dioxide at the plants whichconcentration is advantageous for plant growth. Optional regulation ofsaid concentration at the plants is explained elsewhere in thisdescription.

Optionally the gas or gas mixture supplied by the gas supply means 30 isa heated or cooled gas or gas mixture, e.g. having a differenttemperature compared to an ambient temperature at the area where it issupplied, e.g. depending on heating and/or cooling needs for the plants.

Optionally, the gas or gas mixture supplied by the gas supply means 30comprises and/or carries water, e.g. gaseous water and/or small dropletsof liquid water, for humidification of the plants. A humidity of saidgas or gas mixture can be higher than an ambient humidity at the plants.Such humidity can advantageously promote plant growth, in particularduring germination of seeds and/or rooting of cuttings.

Optionally the gas or gas mixture supplied by the gas supply means 30 isa dried and/or dry gas or gas mixture, e.g. having a relatively lowhumidity compared to an ambient humidity at the plants, in particularfor reducing ambient humidity at the plants.

The gas supply means 30 can comprise a controller (not shown) toregulate one or more aspects of the gas supply, in particular dependingon one or more sensor inputs regarding aspects to be regulated.

For example the controller may be configured to regulate the carbondioxide concentration at the plants to within a predetermined range offor example 500 ppm (parts per million) to 1500 ppm, preferably a rangeof 800 ppm to 1200 ppm, for example a relatively narrow range aroundabout 1000 ppm. To that end the controller may be provided with one ormore sensors for sensing carbon dioxide concentration at the plants. Thecontroller is preferably configured to regulate the carbon dioxideconcentration together with, e.g. in dependence of, a temperature and/orlight level at the plants, for example a measured and/or set temperatureand/or light level. To that end the controller may be provided with oneor more temperature sensors and/or light level sensors.

Additionally or alternatively said controller may be configured toregulate one or more other aspects of the gas supply and/or its effectson the plants, for example regarding humidity and/or temperature. Tothat end the controller may be provided with one or more respectivesensors, e.g. humidity sensors and/or temperature sensors for sensingrespective conditions at the plants.

Such a controller of the gas supply means 30 may be part of and/oroperatively connected to another controller which is configured forregulating growing conditions of the plants, e.g. a more general plantcultivation controller and/or a light controller and/or a heatingcontroller.

In this way, the system 6 can promote good growing conditions for plantswhile the plants can be placed relatively closely together. Inparticular a boundary layer which surrounds leaves of the plants canthus be managed well to promote plant growth and health.

As shown in FIG. 5, the system 6 may comprise e.g. a further lightsource 28′ for illuminating the second plants P2 and/or a further gassupply means 30′ for supplying gas to, e.g. below, the first plants P1.

It will be appreciated that highly advantageously further verticallevels can similarly be provided above and/or below the presently shownone first and one second vertical levels L1, L2, wherein the multiplevertical levels thus comprise multiple first vertical levels L1 and/ormultiple second vertical levels L2. In particular subsequent pairs offirst and second vertical levels L1, L2 can be provided, wherein asecond vertical level L2 of one pair of levels provides a first verticallevel of a subsequent higher pair of levels. The system, in particularthe support structure 26, preferably provides at least three suchvertical levels for cultivating plants, more preferably at least four,more preferably at least five, for example about twelve levels.

Optionally, the system 6 is configured to remove heat from one or moreof the multiple vertical levels, in particular from higher levelsthereof, in order to prevent overheating of plants at said levels. Forexample, the system 6 to that end is provided with further gas supplymeans (not shown) which are configured to supply relatively cool air atsaid levels.

In an exemplary use of the system 6, plants with a higher preferredcultivation temperature are cultivated at one or more higher levels ofthe multiple vertical levels, while plants with a lower preferredcultivation temperature are contemporaneously cultivated at one or morelower levels of the multiple vertical levels.

In this way, heat accumulating at the higher levels by the describedupward convection flow can advantageously be utilized in the cultivationof plants which prefer a higher temperature, for example basil.

In an embodiment, the system 6 further comprises a tray 18 for receivingplant containers 2, 4 thereon, the tray 18 with the plant containers 2,4 thereon being placeable on the support structure 26 at one of themultiple vertical levels L1, L2. The tray 18 has a bottom 20 which isupwardly gas transmissive for allowing an upward ventilation flowbetween the plant containers 2, 4 therethrough. The tray 18 isconfigured for guiding a liquid flow along the bottom 20 for irrigationand/or drainage and/or feeding of plants in the plant containers 2, 4.

Such a tray 18 is explained further elsewhere in this description. Sucha tray 18 advantageously enables efficient handling of plant containers2, 4 on one of the vertical levels L1, L2 while at the same timefacilitating good growing conditions for plants P1, P2 in the containers2, 4.

With reference to FIG. 5, an exemplary method of cultivating plantscomprises: cultivating a first plant P1 on a first vertical level L1;cultivating a second plant P2 above the first plant P1 on a secondvertical level L2; providing a heat generating light source 28 at anintermediate position IP which is beneath the second plant P2 and aboveand/or to the side of the first plant P1; illuminating the first plantP1 using the heat generating light source 28, thereby heating a gas atthe intermediate position IP; and allowing the heated gas to rise to thesecond vertical level L2 and upwardly along the second plant P2 byconvection, thereby ventilating the second plant P2.

Optionally the method comprises actively supplying a gas or gas mixtureat the intermediate position IP and/or between the intermediate positionIP and the second plant.

As indicated above, the supplied gas or gas mixture can for example berelatively warm, relatively cold, relatively humid and/or relatively drycompared to ambient conditions at the plants, in particular the secondplant P2, for respectively influencing said conditions at said plant.

The present description further discloses a plant P1, P2 cultivated by amethod as described herein, and/or using a system 6 as described herein.As will be appreciated in view of the descriptions of the systems andmethods, such a plant P1, P2 can be cultivated particularly efficientlyand/or with particularly good quality, wherein in particular goodventilation of the plants can be provided throughout subsequent growthstages of the plants P1, P2.

Plants with a relatively small height can be particularly suitable forcultivation on multiple levels above each other as described. Examplesof plants that can advantageously be cultivated in this way include butare not limited to: herbs such as basil, bay, chives, dill, mint,oregano, rosemary, thyme; lettuces, leafy greens, micro greens, cresses,spinach, rocket; medicinal herbs; and medicinal and/or recreationalcannabis; ornamental plants; among other plants.

While the invention has been explained using exemplary embodiments anddrawings, these are not to be construed as limiting the scope of theinvention, which scope is provided by the claims. Many variations,combinations and extensions are possible, as will be appreciated by theskilled person. For example, different containers can hold differentplants. A plant cultivated using the invention can be consumable or notconsumable. A method according to the invention can be performed with orwithout using a system according to the invention. Plants can becultivated indoors and/or outdoors, for example using sunlight, solarheat, either directly and/or indirectly, e.g. using a solar panel and/orsolar collector. Plant containers can have many different colors,shapes, and sizes. Plant containers can be moved manually and/orautomatically. Plants can be ventilated at least partially from aboveand/or from the side. Interspace among plant containers can be increasedby other means and/or by other methods than those described, e.g.manually or automatically using conventional means and/or methods.Further examples have been provided throughout the description.

1. A method of increasing interspace among plant containers comprising:providing a set of plant containers, the set comprising a first plantcontainer and a second plant container; arranging the first plantcontainers in a first structured grid formation along a horizontalplane; arranging the second plant containers in a second structured gridformation along said horizontal plane, whereby when viewed from abovethe first and second plant containers are alternatingly arranged in ajoint structured grid formation in a first area; and for increasing theinterspace among the plant containers, mutually simultaneously movingthe second plant containers in their second grid formation away from thefirst plant containers in a vertical direction and subsequently placingthe second plant containers in a second area.
 2. The method according toclaim 1, wherein upon placing the second plant containers in the secondarea, the first plant containers and/or the second plant containers aretogether redesignated as a set of plant containers which set comprises aredesignated first plant container and a redesignated second plantcontainers which are arranged respectively in a first structured gridand a second structured grid along a common horizontal plane, whereinwhen viewed from above the redesignated first plant container andredesignated second plant containers are alternatingly arranged in ajoint structured grid formation in a first area, wherein for furtherincreasing the interspace among the first plant container and/or theredesignated first plant container and the redesignated second plantcontainer, the method comprises moving the redesignated second plantcontainer in its respective second grid formation away from the firstplant container and/or redesignated first plant container in a verticaldirection and subsequently placing the second redesignated plantcontainer in a respective second area.
 3. A system for cultivatingplants, comprising: a set of plant containers which are each suitablefor cultivating one or more plants therein, the set comprising a firstplurality of plant containers and a second plurality of plantcontainers, wherein the first plurality of plant containers isconfigured to be arranged in a first structured grid formation along ahorizontal plane and the second plurality of plant containers isconfigured to be arranged in a second structured grid formation alongsaid horizontal plane, such that when viewed from above the first andsecond plurality of plant containers are alternatingly arranged in ajoint structured grid formation, wherein the first and second pluralityof plant containers are configured to enable mutually simultaneousvertical movement between the first plurality of plant containers on theone hand and the second plurality of plant containers on the other hand;and a separation device configured for mutually simultaneously movingthe second plurality of plant containers away from the first pluralityof plant containers in a vertical direction such that the secondplurality of plant containers in their second structured grid formationare subsequently placeable in a second area while the first plurality ofplant containers can remain in its first structured grid formation in afirst area, whereby interspace among the first and second plurality ofplant containers is increased.
 4. The system according to claim 3,wherein the first plurality of plant containers is connected, at leastconnectable, to each other to form the first structured grid formation,and/or wherein the second plurality of plant containers is connected, atleast connectable, to each other to form the second structured gridformation.
 5. The system according to claim 4, wherein at least eachplant container in the second plurality of plant containers is providedwith a respective connecting element which connects, at least isconfigured to connect, the plant container to at least one other plantcontainer in the respective second grid formation, wherein at least oneof the connecting elements of the second plurality of plant containersis engageable by the separation device for moving the second pluralityof plant containers away from the first plurality of plant containers.6. The system according to claim 5, wherein at least the secondplurality of plant containers each comprise at least one socket whichextends upwardly from a bottom of the container.
 7. The system accordingto claim 6, wherein the at least one socket and the separation deviceare configured to engage each other such that the respective plantcontainer is thereby stably positioned with respect to the separationdevice.
 8. The system according to claim 7, wherein when viewed fromabove the at least one socket is arranged substantially symmetricallywith respect to a center of mass of the plant container during use, inparticular when the plant container is provided therein with plantmaterial for cultivation.
 9. The system according to claim 8, whereinthe at least one socket and the separation device are configured to forma mutual clamping connection.
 10. The system according to claim 9,wherein the separation device comprises a support frame with upwardlydirected push pins configured for pushing the second plurality of plantcontainers upwardly away from the first plurality of plant containers.11. The system according to claim 10, wherein each of the push pins areconfigured to enter a respective one of the at least one socket to pushthe respective second plurality of plant container upwardly away fromthe first plurality of plant containers.
 12. The system according toclaim 11, comprising a tray with a bottom which extends in thehorizontal plane, the tray being configured for receiving the first andsecond plurality of plant containers thereon in the joint structuredgrid formation, wherein the bottom of the tray has holes for engagingone or more received the first and second plurality of plant containerstherethrough.
 13. The system according to claim 12, wherein at leastsome of the holes are arranged in alignment with at least some of theconnecting elements when the first and second plurality of plantcontainers are received on the tray in the joint structured gridformation.
 14. The system according to claim 13, wherein at least someof the holes are arranged in alignment with the at least one socket ofthe second plurality of plant containers when the first and secondplurality of plant containers are received on the tray in the jointstructured grid formation.
 15. The system according to claim 14, whereinat least some of the holes are arranged for guiding therethrough anupward ventilation flow from beneath the tray to plants in the first andsecond plurality of plant containers received on the tray duringcultivation.
 16. The system according to any of claim 15, wherein thetray is configured for guiding an irrigation flow, drainage flow and/ornutrient flow along plants in the first and second plurality of plantcontainers during cultivation, wherein the tray is configured to preventsuch a flow from leaking through one or more of the holes.
 17. Thesystem according to any of claim 16, comprising a placement device forplacing the second plurality of plant containers in their secondstructured grid formation in the second area after the second pluralityof plant containers have been moved away from the first plurality ofplant containers using the separation device.
 18. The system accordingto any of claim 17, comprising a support structure for supporting thefirst and second plurality of plant containers on multiple verticallevels above each other.
 19. The system according to claim 18, whereinthe multiple vertical levels comprise a first vertical level and asecond vertical level above the first vertical level, wherein at leaston the second vertical level the first and second plurality of plantcontainers are arranged in a structured grid formation on the tray,wherein the system comprises a heat generating light source arrangedbetween the first and second vertical levels, the light source beingconfigured to illuminate plants on the first vertical level, wherein thesystem is configured to allow gas to be heated by the light source suchthat by convection the heated gas is subsequently driven upward as aventilation flow through the holes in the tray to provide ventilationfor plants in the first and second plurality of plant containers at thesecond vertical level.